- Social Space: The kitchen must provide social space as
well as cooking space. As both an architectural hub and the source
of food! the kitchen ends up being the de facto social center of
the community. Currently the layout of the space actively discourages
casual socialization in the kitchen and with the cooks-- yet it
still happens. We want to create a space where there's space for
one to sit and chat, drink tea and snack without being underfoot
the cooks.
- Information Space: The kitchen is the information center
of the house-- it holds a message board, calendar, shopping lists,
etc. The new space should find a way to incorporate those elements
in an attractive and space efficient way-- currently they take up
over 10 linear feet of wall space, and, tend be functional but an
aesthetic eyesore.
- Entertainment: Provision should be made for a stereo.
- Usage types: The kitchen should accommodate a number of
different cooking styles. One: preparation of individual meals at
breakfast and lunch. Two: the casual, quick preparation of snacks
and drinks. Three: the preparation of a large evening meal for the
entire household by one or two cooks. At a minimum the kitchen must
be able to accommodate the preparation of snacks without interfering
with the preparation of the evening meal .
- Flexibility: To the degree practical work space should be able
to accommodate changes in future cooking styles, and, cooks.
- Cookbooks: a safe space for everyone's cookbook collection should
be found.
- Work Areas: The space must provide adequate counter space
for the regular preparation of a meal for approx. 10 to 15 people.
Currently there is a severe shortage of counter space. The work
surfaces should have a couple of different heights to accommodate
different individuals. At least one surface should offer seating.
The work areas should offer efficient access to the rest of the
kitchen and be divided up to meet the needs under materials, usage
types , and cleaning. Probably the usage of 'centers' is most appropriate
- Cleaning: All surfaces and work areas should be designed
for maximum ease of cleaning and durability. All work surfaces should
be as smooth as possible with the goal of eliminating crevices,
and seams where assorted ick can collect.
- Low toxicity and energy Materials: All materials used should
have the lowest life cycle energy cost possible while meeting other
requirements. All materials should also be of the lowest toxicity
possible. See Materials
for current details.
- Preservation of indoor air quality
- Low resource use design, materials and appliances: The
project should make the most efficient use of whatever resources
available/or that are consumed. Consider the use of cold closets
and ultra efficient refrigeration, grey water recycling, heat recovery
from drain water and ventilation, maximize wintertime solar gain,
among others.
- Beauty: The finished space should be aesthetically appealing to
all the senses and provide an attractive and inspiring atmosphere
in which to cook.
- Sound: the space should sound good, and, make some provision for
blocking street noise from the apartment buildings.
- Solo eating space: there should be comfortable space for a small
number of people to eat comfortably.
- Recycling/waste management: design should accommodate composting,
recycling, and resorce/energy reclamation in an easy to use fashion.
- Architectural integrity: Design should recognize the existing turn
of the century Victorian history of the house, and maintain the
illusion of architectural integrity.
- Economy: Design must fit within the communities financial and
time economies. We expect a budget of 15 to 25k plus some volunteer labor
from all the community member. Most of skilled labor will be paid. See
Budget Analysis for details
- Time: Design and construction time must fit within the
time schedule. We anticipate a maximum of 4-6 weeks of construction
time. See Schedule for
details
- Good Traffic Flow: separate work and passage areas
- Bright , Airy: Lots of light--especially natural. Good
task and general electric light, access to herbs and garden, bright
open feel.
- Storage: Lots of efficient storage-- no bottomless cabinets
with piles of useless lids, Restaurant style storage, pantry, more
efficient bulk storage, built in fridge.
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